Cardiac MRI vs CTCA

[TasteLessFood4Life]

Can anyone perhaps tell how these tests are used for checking the Heart? I am familiar with CTCA, but not so sure about the cMRI. Why would one use MRI? What does it tell you that the CTCA doesnt? Most often you hear about the CTCA, less so about the cMRI.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Both use computers to assemble the final image but CMRI uses radio waves and strong magnetic fields whereas a CTCA uses X-rays fired from different directions. Therefore a CMRI is radiation free. They do not like people to be over exposed to X-rays as it increases the lifetime risk of cancer although dentists seem to love shooting the X-rays at your head! However, an issue with CMRI is that any metal implants (like my plated and screwed femur) mean they have to reduce the MRI field strength and hence clarity. Also there is less availability for MRI scans as the equipment is far, far more expensive.

A CTCA also needs an intravenous contrast dye to enhance the images whereas this is not regularly needed for a CMRI but may be used for some very specific imaging. The contrast dye may cause an allergic reaction so you have to wait 30 - 60 minutes afterwards. It also carries a risk of kidney damage in some . Where there is felt to be a risk it may be omitted or the strength reduced, but at the expense of image quality.

P.S. At different times in my career I have worked on imaging and medical sensors.

[Coffeelover2]

from what I have seen CT scans do a 3D image so are very good at showing the blockages. MRIs seem to be a series of images that is better at showing arrhythmias.

MRI doesn’t have radiation like CTs . Both can have some form of contrast dye injected into you. MRIs will seriously affect any magnetic metal inside your body and they ask lots of questions about that to ensure you haven’t got any magnetic material inside you.

[fishonabike]

from a non-technical point of view:both scans can produce accurate images, but depending on what part of the body is being scanned, one scan type might be more accurate. A CT scan is better for showing bone and joint issues, blood clots, and some organ injuries, while an MRI is better for inflammation, torn ligaments, nerve and spinal problems, and soft tissues.

MRI and CT scan machinery are different. An MRI machine is a loud, large metal tube your body goes inside for the scan, while a CT machine moves around your body to capture the images. A CT scan is a good alternative to an MRI if you are claustrophobic or unable to go inside an MRI machine for some reason (metal implants that cannot be removed). A CT scan can be an especially useful alternative if your doctor needs results faster than an MRI can provide. CT scans and MRIs use contrast agents to discover blockages and increase the variation between certain interior structures.

i hope that helps